The Hilltop Store

Chefs Carla and Richie met back in 2006 working alongside one another at Aria in Sydney. Life saw them work in many different kitchens, but it is their most recent work that really set them apart. Richie opened and was Head Chef at Matt Morans restaurant Chiswick in Woollahra, while Carla was Head Chef and co-owner with Colin Fassnidge of 4Fourteen in Surry Hills. After 4 years in these roles they decided to make the move with their new born son Hudson back to Carla’s home town of Sawtell. Matt and Carla have been best friends since their days together at Toormina primary school. Travelling and living together throughout life has seen some of Carla and Richie’s passion for the hospitality world rub off on him. The idea of opening a place together has been the topic of late-night conversations for many years and there was no place like home to follow through on these dreams. The move back to Sawtell was not only driven by the thought of bringing up their small families in this beautiful part of the world and being closer to family, but also for the abundance of fresh locally produced food that is available on the doorstep of the mid-north coast. Their dream is to create a food destination that champions the local regions offerings and the Hilltop Store is their dream realised!